Kara Wisely, a real estate professional, has been recognized as one of 20 Realtors in the inaugural class of Florida Realtors Board Certified Realtors.
In September 2024, Florida's housing market saw a decline in closed sales of existing single-family homes and condo-townhouse units compared to the previous year. According to data from the Florida Realtors Research Department, in collaboration with local Realtor boards and associations, closed sales for single-family homes totaled 18,721, marking a 12.3% decrease from September 2023. Condo-townhouse sales also fell by 20.7%, totaling 6,655.
Florida Realtors® has announced the administration of two relief programs to assist those affected by recent hurricanes. The Disaster Relief Fund aims to address housing challenges within the Realtor community following natural disasters. Additionally, grants from the National Association of Realtors' (NAR) Realtors Relief Foundation (RRF) provide financial aid to any Floridian impacted by storms with housing-related needs.
The inspiration for Erin’s Hope came after a significant loss experienced by Stacy Horst and her husband in 2014. Following the death of their daughter, Erin, they felt a strong urge to make a difference. "Four days after Erin’s death, my husband and I found ourselves on her bedroom floor, grappling with our grief. It was in that moment we felt compelled to make a change," Horst shared.
Realtor® Deborah Duvall has carved a niche in the real estate industry by specializing in waterfront properties, luxury homes, second homes, and estate and trust work. "I love the variety and the challenges that come with each transaction," she says. "No two days are the same, and I thrive on the constant learning and problem-solving."
Florida Realtors Chief Economist Dr. Brad O’Connor stated, “In August, Florida’s single-family home market was fairly calm. Closed sales declined by 1.1% year-over-year, and as has been the case for most of the year, they have tracked pretty close to last year’s totals. Year to date through August, closed sales of single-family homes are down 1.7%.”
A Realtor since 1984, Markowitz-Lewis was recognized as Realtor of the Year in 2010 by what was then the South Broward Board of Realtors. She has served as vice chair of the South Broward Regional Board for her local association, the Broward, Palm Beaches & St. Lucie Realtors, and has been a member of her local Professional Standards Committee for over 28 years.
Lynn Hartley, a Realtor® based in Fort Walton Beach, has been named Humanitarian of the Year for her extensive support of Building Homes for Heroes. Over the past two years, Hartley has chaired the Building Homes for Heroes Task Force, which constructs or modifies homes and gifts them mortgage-free to injured veterans, first responders, and their families. The organization also provides support services aimed at helping recipients build better lives.
In nominating Johnson, her local association described her as “a consummate leader and a key proponent of bridging the divide between commercial and residential real estate through education, board involvement, committee service and networking.” She achieves multi-million dollars in annual sales in both commercial and residential real estate, which is uncommon in the industry.
Galavis has effectively utilized her background in political science and passion for political issues throughout her career. She served as the 2023 president of NEFAR and remains highly active in her local association. As chair of NEFAR’s Legislative Committee in 2015, she attended numerous City Council meetings with local representatives to discuss key community issues and continues to support and partner on local projects.
Fifteen realtors have joined the ranks of Florida Realtors' Board Certified Professionals for 2024. The newly certified members include Cathy Alley, Michele Bailey, Hollie Billero Buldo, Cindy Birge, Eddie Blanco, Sandra Fernandez, Benjamin Gilbert, Erin Halstead, Patti E. Ketcham, Gonzalo Mejia, Catherine "Cookie" Miller, Charles Sowers, Tula Tucker, Sue Vasquez and Mary Anne Windes.